Somalia, US military agree to flush Al-Shabaab out remaining areas

Image

MOGADISHU -- Somalia and U.S. army have resolved to put pressure on al-Shabab fighters to liberate the Somali people in remaining militants' held areas.

Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (Africom) who held talks with Hassan Ali Khaire, the prime minister of Somalia in Mogadishu on Wednesday, reinforced the U.S. army's commitment to mutual security interests in the region.

"Evildoers are out there. They are looking for an opening and an opportunity to do harm. If they could attack U.S. interests and the homeland they would. We can't give them an opening. We must deny them that opportunity," Townsend said in a statement issued on Wednesday night after his visit to Somalia.

While in Somalia, Townsend met with the U.S. units responsible for training the Danab, a specially trained Somali military force engaged in the fight against al-Shabab and ISIS-Somalia.

"Along with Somalia and other international partners, we will apply continued pressure on violent extremist organizations. This pressure creates conditions and opportunity for further political and economic development," Townsend said.

He noted the importance of confronting violent extremist organizations in East Africa, noting that while terror groups in Africa currently lack the capability, they possess the will and desire to attack the U.S. homeland and interests.

The Africom commander visited Somalia as part of his first trip to the African continent since taking command on July 26.

He said the visit offered an opportunity to assess the situation in Somalia while reinforcing Africom's commitment to mutual security interests in the region.

Charles Bergman, Africom's integrator for developing security in Somalia, said the unique level of cooperation between the multiple international efforts in Somalia has led to more effective government security forces and their ability to conduct offensive operations.

"This demonstrates to the Somali people that their national Army's capabilities to secure Somalia are growing," Bergman added.

Related Articles

Airstrikes Target Al-Shabaab Hideouts in Central Somalia

Missiles targeted the hideouts, with the number of casualties remaining unclear — even though the region hosts hundreds of fighters.

  • Somalia

    31-08-2025

  • 01:04PM

Somalia and Egypt Boost Military Cooperation Amid Tensions Over Nile Dam Dispute

Both sides emphasized the importance of robust defense collaboration to enhance peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

  • Somalia

    31-08-2025

  • 09:16AM